Homemade Spaghetti O’s: A Nostalgic Delight Made From Scratch

Spaghetti O’s. The name alone evokes childhood memories of warm, comforting bowls filled with perfectly round pasta swimming in a tangy tomato sauce. For many, it was a staple lunch, a quick and easy dinner, or a satisfying snack. While the canned version offers convenience, nothing compares to the flavor and freshness of homemade Spaghetti O’s. This recipe takes you on a culinary journey back to simpler times, allowing you to recreate this classic dish with wholesome ingredients and a touch of love. Get ready to experience a nostalgic delight that’s both delicious and surprisingly easy to make!

## Why Make Homemade Spaghetti O’s?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore the reasons why making Spaghetti O’s from scratch is a worthwhile endeavor:

* **Control over Ingredients:** When you make it yourself, you know exactly what goes into your food. You can avoid artificial flavors, preservatives, and excessive amounts of sodium that are often found in canned versions. You can choose high-quality ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful dish.
* **Freshness and Flavor:** Homemade always tastes better! The freshness of the ingredients shines through, resulting in a brighter, more vibrant flavor profile. The tomato sauce is richer, the pasta is perfectly cooked, and the overall experience is far superior to the canned alternative.
* **Customization:** Making Spaghetti O’s at home allows you to customize the recipe to your liking. Want a spicier sauce? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Prefer a richer flavor? Use a higher quality tomato paste. You have complete control over the final outcome.
* **Nostalgia with a Healthy Twist:** Recreate a childhood favorite with a healthier twist. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, reduce the sodium content, and incorporate fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.
* **Fun Family Activity:** Making Spaghetti O’s can be a fun and engaging activity for the whole family. Get the kids involved in shaping the pasta and stirring the sauce. It’s a great way to create lasting memories in the kitchen.

## The Ultimate Homemade Spaghetti O’s Recipe

This recipe is designed to be easy to follow and yields a delicious, authentic-tasting result. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your personal preferences.

**Yields:** Approximately 4 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 30 minutes

### Ingredients:

* **For the Pasta:**
* 1 cup all-purpose flour (or semolina flour for a more authentic texture, or whole wheat flour for a healthier option)
* 1 large egg
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 2-4 tablespoons water (adjust as needed)

* **For the Tomato Sauce:**
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 small onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
* 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor in the sauce

### Equipment:

* Large mixing bowl
* Rolling pin
* Small round cookie cutter or pastry tip (approximately 1/2 inch in diameter)
* Large pot
* Medium saucepan

### Instructions:

**Part 1: Making the Pasta Dough**

1. **Combine Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. **Add Egg:** Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and crack the egg into the well.
3. **Incorporate Egg:** Using a fork, gradually incorporate the egg into the flour mixture, starting from the center and working your way outwards.
4. **Add Water:** Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. The amount of water needed will vary depending on the humidity and the type of flour used. Aim for a dough that is slightly sticky but not too wet.
5. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, one teaspoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, one teaspoon at a time.
6. **Rest the Dough:** Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

**Part 2: Shaping the Spaghetti O’s**

1. **Roll Out the Dough:** Lightly flour a clean work surface. Divide the dough in half (keeping the other half wrapped to prevent it from drying out). Roll out one half of the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch (approximately 3mm). The thinner the dough, the quicker they will cook.
2. **Cut Out Circles:** Use a small round cookie cutter or the large end of a pastry tip (approximately 1/2 inch in diameter) to cut out circles from the rolled-out dough. Place the cut circles on a lightly floured baking sheet or plate.
3. **Create the ‘O’ Shape:** Using a smaller pastry tip or even a straw, carefully poke a hole in the center of each circle to create the signature ‘O’ shape. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; the imperfections add to the homemade charm.
4. **Repeat:** Repeat steps 1-3 with the remaining dough. Gather the dough scraps, knead them together, roll them out again, and cut out more shapes until all the dough is used. Make sure to flour your work surface to prevent sticking.

**Part 3: Making the Tomato Sauce**

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
2. **Add Tomatoes and Paste:** Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato paste. Mix well to combine.
3. **Add Broth and Seasonings:** Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth). Add the dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the Parmesan cheese at this point.
4. **Simmer the Sauce:** Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour. The longer the sauce simmers, the richer and more flavorful it will become. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

**Part 4: Cooking the Spaghetti O’s**

1. **Boil Water:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.
2. **Cook the Pasta:** Add the Spaghetti O’s to the boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface and are tender. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will become mushy. Because these are fresh pasta, they cook much faster than the dried variety.
3. **Drain and Rinse (Optional):** Drain the Spaghetti O’s in a colander. Rinsing them briefly with cold water will help to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.

**Part 5: Combining and Serving**

1. **Combine Pasta and Sauce:** Add the cooked Spaghetti O’s to the simmering tomato sauce and stir gently to coat. Heat through for a minute or two.
2. **Serve:** Serve the Homemade Spaghetti O’s immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese (optional) and fresh basil leaves (optional).

## Tips and Variations

* **Whole Wheat Pasta:** For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour to make the pasta dough. The texture will be slightly different, but the nutritional benefits are worth it.
* **Semolina Flour:** For a more authentic Italian pasta texture, use semolina flour instead of all-purpose flour.
* **Spicy Sauce:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Vegetarian/Vegan Option:** Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure your Parmesan cheese substitute is vegetarian-friendly if using.
* **Freezing:** You can freeze leftover Spaghetti O’s for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or freezer bag.
* **Add Vegetables:** Sneak in some finely grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots into the tomato sauce for added nutrients.
* **Use a Pasta Machine:** If you have a pasta machine, you can use it to roll out the dough for a more consistent thickness.
* **Cheese in the O’s:** For an extra cheesy flavor, you can incorporate a small amount of grated Parmesan or Romano cheese into the pasta dough.
* **Make a big batch:** The pasta dough and sauce freeze well, so consider making a larger batch to enjoy later.

## Serving Suggestions

Homemade Spaghetti O’s are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with other dishes for a complete meal.

* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with warm garlic bread for dipping into the tomato sauce.
* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
* **Grilled Chicken or Sausage:** Add grilled chicken or sausage for a heartier meal.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrients.

## Conclusion

Making Homemade Spaghetti O’s is a rewarding experience that allows you to recreate a childhood favorite with fresh, wholesome ingredients. This recipe is easy to follow and provides plenty of opportunities for customization. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy a nostalgic delight that’s sure to please both kids and adults alike! This homemade version offers superior flavor, avoids unnecessary additives, and allows for complete control over the ingredients. Enjoy the process of crafting this classic comfort food from scratch and savor the delicious results. It’s a guaranteed hit for family meals and a fun way to revisit cherished childhood memories.

Bon appétit!